Many of us are aware of the story of Dion Green, a survivor of the August 4, 2019, mass shooting in Dayton’s Oregon entertainment district. We know something of the way in which Dion’s efforts to come to terms with the loss of his father that horrific night have led to his remarkable and heroic journey to support other survivors of violence as they, too, work through their traumatic experience. We may likewise be aware of Dion’s role as Founder/CEO of Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (FUDGE), a 501c3 nonprofit that delivers such survivors “support service and advocacy at both a local and national level.”

     We may be less likely to know, however, of the efforts undertaken by Dion and the Fudge Foundation to host community appreciation events – like the one that took place at a neighborhood on Sunset Avenue in Springfield, this past July 14th. The purpose of such events is to raise community spirits, and let residents know “you are not alone or forgotten,” as Dion says. The Sunset Avenue event included food, entertainment, a marching band and drumline, door prizes, and much more. WIN members were present to appreciate the scene, as representatives from Moms Demand action cooked burgers, a Dayton women’s anti-violence group signed up volunteers, and both children and adults interacted with one another and had fun.

     There are not enough such events. Perhaps this news of the one on Sunset Avenue will stimulate more.